Today’s determination by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission represents a landmark decision and the culmination of more than a decade of work towards the implementation of a joint Industry Tyre Stewardship Scheme.
In a comment regarding today’s determination ACCC Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper stated that: “The ACCC is satisfied that the Scheme is likely to result in a benefit to the public by reducing the volume of used tyres entering the domestic waste stream or being exported overseas and burned for fuel in an environmentally unsustainable way…This will reduce the environmental and health and safety hazards associated with such disposal methods” thus providing a clear and encouraging message for all present and future players in the Scheme.
In the words of Silvio de Denaro, Secretary of the Australian Tyre Industry Council: “The Scheme will establish better ways of collecting and disposing of end-of-life tyres ensuring that over time this resource acquires a positive value and is actively sought by recyclers. New markets for tyre-derived products will be encouraged and developed: we very much look forward to working with other important Industry players such as the Australian Motor Industry Federation in developing and implementing this Stewardship Scheme.
Richard Dudley, C.E.O. of the Australian Motor Industry Federation feels that: “This is a historic moment for the Australian Automotive Industry. This outcome illustrates the shared commitment of key participants towards reducing the impact of motor vehicles on our nation’s landscape and our community”.
In practice today’s Determination by the A.C.C.C. allows the establishment of Tyre Stewardship Australia, a non-for-profit body funded by an end-user contribution equivalent to 25 cents per passenger car tyre. The main purpose of T.S.A. will be to reverse current unsustainable practices associated with the collection and the disposal of end-of-life tyres.
